Track 9: Pediatric nephrology

Pediatric nephrology is a medical subspecialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of kidney-related conditions in children. Nephrology, in general, deals with the kidneys' function, structure, and diseases, and in the pediatric context, it involves managing these disorders in infants, children, and adolescents.

Common Conditions Treated in Pediatric Nephrology

1. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): A sudden loss of kidney function that can result from a variety of causes, including dehydration, infection, trauma, or certain medications. In children, AKI is often reversible with prompt treatment.

2. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): A long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their function. CKD in children may be caused by congenital abnormalities, inherited conditions (like polycystic kidney disease), or diseases such as glomerulonephritis.

3. Nephrotic Syndrome: A condition characterized by high levels of protein in the urine (proteinuria), low levels of protein in the blood (hypoalbuminemia), swelling (edema), and high cholesterol. The causes can be primary (e.g., minimal change disease) or secondary to other diseases.

4. Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the glomeruli (tiny filters in the kidneys), which can occur after infections like streptococcal throat infection. It can also be caused by autoimmune diseases, such as lupus.

5. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): While UTIs are common in children, recurrent infections or infections that cause kidney damage require specialized care to prevent kidney scarring and other long-term issues.

6. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): An inherited condition characterized by the growth of fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, leading to kidney enlargement and eventual loss of function.

7. Hypertension: High blood pressure in children can be secondary to kidney disease or be a primary condition that may lead to kidney damage if untreated.

8. Kidney Stones: Though less common in children, kidney stones can cause significant pain and potentially lead to kidney damage.

9. Congenital Abnormalities of the Kidneys and Urinary Tract (CAKUT): These are birth defects that affect the structure and function of the kidneys and urinary system, such as renal agenesis (absence of a kidney) or hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney due to urine buildup).

10. Electrolyte Imbalances: Disorders such as hypokalemia (low potassium), hyperkalemia (high potassium), or hyponatremia (low sodium) that affect the kidneys' ability to regulate fluid and electrolytes in the body.

Diagnostic Tools and Tests

1. Urinalysis: A simple test to check for abnormalities in the urine, such as protein, blood, glucose, or bacteria, which can indicate kidney problems.

2. Blood Tests: These may include serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and electrolytes to assess kidney function and detect any imbalances.

3. Ultrasound: A non-invasive imaging test to evaluate the size and structure of the kidneys, detect abnormalities, or identify cysts or stones.

4. Renal Biopsy: In some cases, a small sample of kidney tissue may be taken to diagnose specific diseases, such as glomerulonephritis or nephrotic syndrome.

5. 24-Hour Urine Collection: To assess kidney function, protein excretion, and other markers over a full day.

6. Blood Pressure Measurement: Monitoring blood pressure is crucial in diagnosing and managing hypertension, especially in relation to kidney diseases.